Follow these tips on dealing with your HVAC system.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. That way you can provide the contractor with all the necessary information.
If you struggle with your HVAC, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. If you do not know what you want, the process can become tedious, especially over the phone. Make an effort to gather all information you need before making the phone call.
Clean the debris on your condenser unit. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can cause your system by overheating.
Grass Clippings
Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Put your outdoor units in places with shade.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it’s getting cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep the system running and can save you money on repairs.
Don’t let your home to become dangerously hot. Air conditioners can cool down unreasonably high temps. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, it will only cool off to about 80F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. You can often control it from your mobile phone!
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You could even use your attic space if it is done right.
When everyone is gone, turn your AC off. Sure, the temp will rise, but no one is home anyway. If the A/C is on when you’re gone, it’ll be working hard constantly.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
When your unit is clicking, you should immediately begin to look for any obstructions. The issue may be debris getting into the fans of the cooling system. Check the fan and coil before calling a contractor.
Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You will need about 20 BTU per square foot in the area to be cooled. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, combine their square footage in your calculations.
Having a radiant barrier installed in your attic is an excellent way to make sure that your HVAC runs better. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. If done right, you can even start using the attic as living space.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the simplest thing to do and it will keep your unit running in tip top shape.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A licensed technician should also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. Once they know what’s wrong, they will also be able to quickly and efficiently resolve it.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system every month. This represents an easy way to keep your system working well. These filters are only a couple dollars.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to verify they have the type of work you require.
Always get some references when you are considering a HVAC contractor.
Before you hire a HVAC contractor, you should find out what their experience is. You need to verify they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system. It’s best to find someone who knows what they’re doing.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, in any weather.
Your HVAC system is what makes the temperature in your home comfortable for you and your family. If you don’t properly maintain it, then your home is not a good place to be. To ensure this never happens to you, keep the tips you’ve read today in mind.
Your contractor should perform a heat loss calculation when coming to give you an estimate. This helps ensure that you get a unit with the right BTUs to ensure your home is always comfortable, regardless of the outside weather. Windows and doors should be counted, and insulation should be checked along with measuring the internal space of your home.